EXPLORE THE MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART IN WINTER PARK

EXPLORE THE MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART IN WINTER PARK

Explore the Morse Museum: A Winter Park Gem

Tucked away in the charming city of Winter Park, Florida, just a few miles from our historic Thurston House bed and breakfast, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a hidden gem that beckons art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious minds alike. This remarkable museum is renowned for its extensive collection of American decorative and fine arts, particularly its unparalleled holdings of works by renowned artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Let’s uncover the Morse Museum’s offerings, its rich history, and exciting events to look forward to during the 2023 holiday season.

Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection

The Morse Museum boasts a diverse and awe-inspiring array of American artistry spanning several centuries. Its centerpiece is the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), the celebrated artist known for his exquisite stained glass creations. Visitors are transported into a world of shimmering beauty as they explore Tiffany’s intricate glass lamps, windows, jewelry, and other decorative arts. The Morse Museum also houses an exquisite chapel interior designed by Tiffany for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, known as the “Tiffany Chapel,” which is a breathtaking sight to behold.

Architectural objects and art from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall, are also on display.In addition to Tiffany’s creations, the museum features a wide range of American art, including pottery, paintings, and decorative objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection includes pieces by prominent artists and designers such as John La Farge, Alice Gouvy, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

A Glimpse into the Morse Museum’s History

The Morse Museum has a history as rich and captivating as the art it houses. It was founded in 1942 by Jeannette Genius McKean, who named the museum after her grandfather, Winter Park philanthropist Charles Hosmer Morse. Together, she and her husband, Hugh McKean, who directed the Museum for many years, dedicated their lives to preserving Tiffany’s legacy and promoting American art. The McKeans built the collection over half a century, and today, their vision has resulted in a museum that stands as a testament to their passion and commitment.

Originally housed on the campus of Rollins College, it opened on North Park Avenue in 1995, today occupying over 42,000 square feet of gallery space. The Morse is owned and operated privately by foundation and receives no public funds.

Christmas Holidays at the Morse Museum 2023

One of the most exciting events to look forward to during the holiday season in Central Florida is “Christmas in the Park” in Winter Park. Each year, the Morse Museum helps launch this festive season when they light up Tiffany windows in Central Park and present the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble in concert. This year, the 45th annual celebration of Christmas in the Park, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 30 starting at 6:15pm. The Museum’s website tells the touching history of the event and the significance or the windows.

Another beloved holiday tradition at the Morse Museum is the “Friday Nights at the Morse” series, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the museum after hours in a special and engaging way. Each Friday night during the series, the museum comes alive with a variety of activities, including live music, art demonstrations, and special tours. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of American art while enjoying a vibrant and social atmosphere.

The 2023-2024 season series coincides with the holiday festivities in Winter Park and kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 24, 2023, with a lively jazz quartet.  Holiday Friday Nights will continue every Friday night through the end of 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just looking for a fun and cultural night out, “Friday Nights at the Morse” is an event not to be missed.

Visiting the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Museum is located at 445 N Park Avenue in Winter Park, Florida. Free parking is available behind the Museum and on several levels of the Park Place garage across from the Museum. The Museum and Museum Shop are open every day except on Mondays, and visitors can make appointments on the Museum’s website: https://morsemuseum.org/plan-your-visit/. Several  orientation videos are offered online as well, and the Museum provides complimentary audio tours of the galleries via cell phone.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida, is a cultural treasure that invites visitors to explore the beauty and history of American art. It’s remarkable collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works and its dedication to preserving American artistry make it a must-visit destination.

Plan a weekend getaway to Winter Park during this Christmas season and include “Friday Nights at the Morse” in your plan. The Museum, and Central Park are just a quick ten minutes from our historic bed and breakfast, Thurston House. Who knows, but very likely the Morses and the Thurstons attended the same social events while wintering in Central Florida in the late 1800s. And surely, both families offered comfortable and gracious accommodations to their friends and family visiting during the holidays.

Certainly today, the Morse Museum promises an enchanting and immersive experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the museum’s offerings. Mark your calendars, book your stay at Thurston House, and prepare to be captivated by the area’s artistry and history this Christmas season!

DISCOVER THE ART & HISTORY MUSEUMS MAITLAND: A RETIREE’S HIDDEN GEM

 DISCOVER THE ART & HISTORY MUSEUMS MAITLAND: A Retiree’s Hidden Gem

Art & History Museum Maitland white stucco buildings with pond in forefront

Where can retirees find museums with great art and rich history when traveling to Central Florida? Here’s one to consider! Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Sybelia in Maitland, just north of Orlando, the Art & History Museums Maitland (A&H) is a cultural treasure waiting to be explored. Steeped in history and brimming with artistic wonders, this institution is a must-visit destination for retirees and art enthusiasts alike when vacationing in Central Florida. And, lucky for you, it’s just a quick five-minute jaunt from Thurston House, our historic B&B.

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE A&H MUSEUMS

The Art & History Museums Maitland boasts a rich history dating back to the 1930s when J. Andre’ Smith established the “Research Studio” as a haven for artists and historians. He envisioned a place where art and history converged, and his dream came to fruition when the Maitland Art Center was opened.

Did you know? The Maitland Art Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the few surviving examples of Mayan Revival architecture in the Southeastern United States. Its unique architecture alone is worth the visit.

Today, the A&H is a dynamic cultural institution comprising five museums and historic properties. These include the Maitland Art Center, Maitland Historical Museum, Waterhouse Residence Museum, Telephone Museum, and Carpentry Shop Museum. Each site offers a distinct glimpse into the region’s art and history, creating a comprehensive experience for visitors.

WHY IS THE ART & HISTORY MUSEUM MAITLAND A HIDDEN GEM FOR RETIREES? 

Retirees looking for art and history, in particular, will find the A&H to be an enriching and leisurely destination. Here are some reasons why:

  • Artistic Inspiration: The A&H hosts rotating exhibitions that showcase the works of local and international artists. Immerse yourself in the beauty of contemporary and historical art.
  • Historical Insights: The historical museums provide a fascinating journey through time, offering a chance to delve into the history of Maitland and the broader region of Orange County. In a short afternoon, you can gain a deeper understanding of the community near Orlando that has been home to so many through the years.
  • Cultural Engagement: The A&H Maitland Art Center regularly hosts events, workshops, and lectures, making it a vibrant hub for cultural engagement. One can easily participate in art classes, attend lectures, or simply relax in the serene gardens.
  • Peaceful Surroundings: The A&H’s tranquil setting is perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful escape. Strolling through lush gardens or enjoying the serene lakeside views can provide a sense of relaxation and restoration.

Art & History Museum Maitland orange logoDon’t miss out on the Art & History Museum Maitland for a unique opportunity to blend appreciation for art and history while enjoying the beauty of Florida’s landscapes. With its rich history, diverse exhibits, and serene ambiance, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and cherished by those seeking cultural enrichment and relaxation. Reserve a few days at Thurston House, our 1885 built bed & breakfast, and let us be your restful haven during your Central Florida adventures. We’ll take good care of you!

ART GALLERIES NEAR ORLANDO WINTER PARK IN CENTRAL FLORIDA…VISIT THESE 3

water fountain winter park flART GALLERIES NEAR ORLANDO WINTER PARK IN CENTRAL FLORIDA…VISIT THESE THREE.

Florida is known for its scenic beauty, from its multitude of lakes and white-sand beaches to the wildlife-rich everglades and tropical paradise of the Keys. So it’s no wonder that there’s a prolific artist community ready to capture this beauty, and as many tourists intent on taking pieces of it home to enjoy all year long. Many art galleries in the Central Florida area showcase our local artists. On your next stay at Thurston House Bed & Breakfast near Orlando, visit these three art galleries near Orlando Winter Park FL to check out their collected beauties.

 

THE GALLERY 32789, 515 N. PARK AVE, STE 114, WINTER PARK, FL 32789

The Gallery 32789 is set in downtown Winter Park near the Morse Museum in Brandywine Square, steps from Central Park and its fine dining, upscale shops, and world-renowned museums. Representing professional artists who work in oil, acrylic and mixed-media paintings, sculpture, jewelry, clay and photography, The Gallery 32789 hosts monthly by-invitation-only art events.

 

scene storefronts along park avenue winter parkPARK AVENUE CONTEMPORARY ART, 348 S. PARK AVE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789

After finding a cozy lunch spot along the avenue, be sure to stop in at Park Avenue Contemporary Art, featuring contemporary artwork from over 25 Florida and national artists. Founded by Denise Autorino, an avid 20-year art collector, the gallery opened at the Park Plaza Hotel in 2020. Its new location on Park Avenue offers generous space for larger paintings, sculptures, artist talks, events and more.

 

STELTENKAMP FINE ART, 126 S. PARK AVE, WINTER PARK, FL 32789

Another art gallery near Orlando Winter Park caters to lovers of fine art. Steltenkamp Fine Art offers a private gallery in an historic second floor setting overlooking downtown Winter Park. Bill and MaryAnn invite you to appreciate art in a new way in a sophisticated, but casual venue. They feature unique pieces from a variety of genres and countries. Whether you are a novice or seasoned collector, you will find something of interest. Ask the Steltenkamps about upcoming art lectures and private artist exhibitions when you visit.

 

Spend the day soaking up art galleries near Orlando Winter Park FL. then head back to your comfy room at Thurston House. You might even have time for a nap in the hammock on the sleeping porch before venturing out to a fabulous dinner. Ah…life is good!

 

 

Museums of Maitland, Florida

We are blessed with a strong history in the arts and culture. There are several historical museums, as well as a wonderful historic arts colony.

Dommerich EstatesThe Maitland Art Center was founded as an art colony in 1937 by visionary American artist and architect André Smith (1880-1959). This tradition continues at MAC today, with gallery exhibitions, art programming, and a strong curriculum of art instruction in an intimate atmosphere. Visit this historic, aesthetic gem set in the middle of busy Central Florida. Now a National Historic Landmark!

The Art Center is one of the few surviving examples of “Mayan Revival” or fantasy architecture in the Southeast. The Center is recognized by the State of Florida as an historic site and is entered on the National Register of Historic Places. It features motifs drawn from the ancient cultures of Mesoamerica, and includes 23 separate structures linked by beautiful gardens and courtyards. NEWS – The Maitland Art Center is honored to have just been designated a National Historic Landmark!

Maitland Train Depot“Destination Maitland” takes visitors on a journey that traces the history of the South Florida Railroad and its arrival in Maitland. Learn about the Maitland Train Depot, the different uses for the railroad, and the different types of people who used it to arrive and leave from Maitland. Interactive acitivities for kids make this a great stop for school groups and families.

Maitland History Book The Maitland Historical Museum: In the late 1800s Lake Maitland was a small town, which included a few families, citrus crops, and a handful of businesses. “Maitland has come a long way since then but what makes it special is it “continues to carry with it the dreams and visions of hardworking vibrant citizenry while maintaining its picturesque setting amid cypress and lakes.” Leslie Kemp Poole, Images of America: Maitland. 

Antique Telephone SwitchboardThe Telephone Museum (at the Historical Museum): The Telephone Museum’s permanent exhibit takes visitors on a tour of communications technology. Try your hand at the working switching station and then take a look at how phones have changed through history.This exciting collection features the story of the Winter Park Telephone Company founded in Maitland by Carl Galloway in 1910.

Waterhouse Residence Master BedroomThe Waterhouse Residence Museum: This historic house museum reflects the life of a middle class Victorian family during the early days of the city of Maitland. The home was originally built by Maitland resident and carpenter William Waterhouse in 1884. Visit the Waterhouse Residence Museum during the holidays for a special treat as you experience a Victorian Christmas. Just look out for the Waterhouse mouse!

Holidays at the Waterhouse” is open annually from November-January. Visitors to the Waterhouse Residence Museum will find a Victorian Christmas. Trees, decorations, and traditions fill the home representing a combination of both Victorian and typical Floridian Christmas decor. Guests will find an extra treat on their tour as they get to search for the annual visitor, the Waterhouse Mouse!

Carpentry Shop Museum: Built in 1883 as the working shop of carpenter and home builder William H. Waterhouse, the Carpentry Shop Museum now houses a permanent exhibit of nineteenth century and early twentieth century tools. This museum offers some hands-on opportunities as well!

 

Dali Central Florida – A Maitland Marvel!

Just a week after the Maitland Art Center proudly accepted its’ National Historic Landmark designation, it opens a long awaited and much anticipated Salvador Dali exhibit! The Spanish surrealist painter has been called one of the biggest artistic names in history, and certainly the most famous to be displayed at the center. The Research Studio founder (now called the Maitland Arts Center) Andre Smith and Salvador Dali were contemporaries, but moved in very different artistic circles.

The Dali Central Florida exhibit – Art and the Subconscious – will showcase works of both Dali and Smith side by side. This will highlight the contrast between the two men’s work and their own unique styles.

The Maitland Art Center is just a short stroll or dirve from our North Orlando Central Florida Bed & Breakfast Thurston House. This area has a feeling of quiet and culture, yet is just minutes from downtown Orlando and Winter Park. Expect to be impressed during your stay here in Central Florida.

Newest National Historic Landmark Florida

The newest National Historic Landmark Florida, and the only one in Orange County, is being dedicated tomorrow! It is such an honor for all of us who live in Maitland. The Maitland Art Center was built by Andre Smith in 1937 to be used as an artists’ colony. The complex of buildings and courtyards, considered “Fantasy Architecture”, are quite unique and feature many Aztec & Mayan design elements. There is a Chapel & Mayan Courtyard, Main Garden, and many small studio buildings. The studios are hosts to a variety of artists who are involved in the Artists-In-Action program.

Gallery exibits are changed often and feature a wide variety of collections. Art instruction classes are offered both for children and adults. The museum gift store has many unique one of a kind gifts, ranging from jewelry to pottery, and more. Newest National Historic Landmark Florida is truly a treasure for us all to enjoy.

Lake on the way to visit Newest National Historic Landmark Florida

Lake on the way to visit Newest National Historic Landmark Florida

Guests at Thurston House, our north Orlando Maitland Winter Park area bed & breakfast can easily stroll over to the center, through wonderful neighborhoods and along several lakes. Wander the beautiful grounds, explore the chapel area, peak in the studio windows and check out the latest gallery exhibit. You will even be able to see the newest National Historic Landmark Florida plaque after the dedication that takes place tomorrow.

Plan Ahead Holiday Celebration Maitland History

The holidays are almost here and there is a great 2014 Holiday Celebration Maitland History to tell you about. The historic Waterhouse Residence Museum, circa 1884, will be dressed for an entirely new Christmas exhibition. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is the theme, as seen from the view of each Waterhouse family member. Traditions from the Past, Present and Future will be showcased in each of the three main downstairs rooms.

The Waterhouse Residence Museum is just a short stroll from Thurston House so why not stay here. What a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season, and learn about the past too! Along the walk from Thurston House to the museum, you can meander along several Maitland streets. There will be lots of beautiful neighborhood decorations to enjoy along the way. Lake Lily Park, where the museum is located, will also be dressed in season finerary. And there is always a beautiful lighted tree floating in the middle of Lake Lily.

On your way back to Thurston House, you can enjoy a bite at any one of several eateries – Antonio’s, Athena Chicken, Rangetsu, or Brown’s NY Deli.

 

 

Art & History Together North Orlando

Yes, Art & History together north Orlando. Three new exhibits just opened at the fabulous Art & History Museums – Maitland.  Just minutes away from our Central Florida Bed & Breakfast Thurston House , you can  hop in your car or take a short stroll over there. Yes, Art & History together here in Central Florida!

Exhibit #1 – The Maitland Art Center continues to honor the legacy of founder Andre Smith by bringing back the Artist-In-Residence Program. The first artist who has spent 6 weeks living and working on the grounds is Josette Urso. She worked primarily in the gardens making oil paintings, watercolors and drawings.

Exhibit #2 – Heavy Metal – No, not music but abstract arrangements of painted metal and found remains, innovative works by Rocky Bridges.

Exhibit #3 – Family Ties – No, not the TV show! With this interactive exhibition you can learn how to trace your own ancestry while you explore the history of Maitland’s founding families.

Such a unique and wonderful facility, a place where you could easily spend a few hours just enjoying the gardens and gallery. There is even an outdoor chapel and courtyard with wonderful Mayan themed artwork. Don’t forget about the fabulous gift shop too!

Remember, that is Art & History together, here in beautiful Maitland Central Florida!

 

 

 

Andre Smith, Art & Maitland History

Thurston House is just minutes from a most fascinating complex of buildings and gardens – The Maitland Art Center.

“A Day in the Life of the Research Studio”

June 8, 2012 – Sept. 19, 2012

André Smith (1880 – 1959) founded the Research Studio (now called the A&H’s Maitland Art Center) in 1937. He first invited artists to live and create within its walls in January 1938. These artists were called “Bok Fellows,” after Smith’s great patron, Mary Curtis Bok. From (1938 – 1959), nearly 70 individuals participated in this great experiment, including Milton Avery, Doris Lee, Ralston Crawford, and more. What was their day-to-day life like? Using artworks and recently-donated color photography as documentation, the exhibition will recreate the atmosphere of that classic period.

 Maitland Art Center Galleries
231 W. Packwood Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm

 And don’t miss the history museum next door –


Maitland’s Legacies: Creativity & Innovation

New permanent exhibit

 The story of Maitland’s legacies united all of the Art & History Museums – Maitland, and extends beyond local geography, mirroring many American communities. The important individuals and families that made up these legacies include the Waterhouse family, the Galloway family, André Smith, and many others, including the Dommerichs, the Hills, and many more.

 What united these people that founded our institutions? These pioneers were creative, innovative, entrepreneurial, and visionary. They came to this new, verdant place and made opportunities for themselves and others. Drawn from a variety of social classes, they built both culture and community. Using archival photographs, artifacts, and documents, the exhibition will explore these stories as they relate to the economic, technological, and social aspects of the American experience. There is even a little section for Thurston House!

 Maitland Historical Museum
221 W. Packwood Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
Thursday – Sunday 12p.m. – 4p.m.

 Both the Maitland Art Center and the Historical Museum are a short drive or a pleasant stroll from Thurston House, North Orlando’s finest bed & breakfast accommodation!